What does prosecutorial discretion refer to in the context of juvenile justice?

Prosecutorial discretion in the context of juvenile justice refers to the authority of the prosecutor to make decisions regarding how to handle each case. This can involve determining whether to file charges, what charges to file, whether to offer plea bargains, and how to prioritize cases. Prosecutors often consider various factors, including the specifics of the case, the offender's background, the interests of public safety, and the best interests of the juvenile involved.

The concept of case processing is crucial in juvenile justice, as these decisions can significantly impact a youth’s future. For example, a prosecutor might decide to divert a young offender into a rehabilitation program instead of pursuing formal charges. This discretion allows for more tailored responses to juvenile offenses, recognizing that young individuals often have different needs and potential for rehabilitation compared to adults.

The other options relate to broader concepts within the juvenile justice system but do not directly pertain to the specific decision-making power of prosecutors in individual cases. For instance, due process refers to the legal rights owed to a person before being deprived of life, liberty, or property; widening the net involves increasing the number of individuals who come under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system; and deinstitutionalization refers to the movement away from placing juveniles in detention facilities